As a skin therapist, I follow new developments in skin rejuvenation and repair with great interest. Innovations that combine biology and technology particularly catch my attention. One ingredient that has been on the rise lately is PDRN, polydeoxyribonucleotide, a substance typically derived from salmon sperm. But what does PDRN actually do for your skin, and what does the science say about it?

Why is PDRN delivered into the skin via injections or microneedling?

PDRN is a biologically active DNA fragment with a high molecular weight and a hydrophilic structure. The skin barrier is specifically designed to keep such large molecules out. Therefore, PDRN cannot passively penetrate the skin, as would be the case with a cream or serum.

To make PDRN truly effective, it must be delivered into the deeper skin layers, particularly the dermis. This is done via injections (such as in mesotherapy or skinboosting), which deposit it directly at the site of action. Another method is medical microneedling, which creates microchannels in the skin through which PDRN can be absorbed transdermally.

In short: PDRN only works if it reaches the correct location in the skin, and that cannot happen without a technique that temporarily opens the skin barrier.

What is PDRN from salmon DNA?

PDRN is a DNA fragment derived from the sperm cells of certain salmon species, such as Oncorhynchus mykiss or Oncorhynchus keta. These nucleotides, the building blocks of DNA, are often formulated into serums, injectables, and microneedling treatments. The promise? Faster skin recovery, reduced inflammation, increased collagen, and a visibly younger-looking complexion.

What does the science say?

Several studies have shown that PDRN supports key skin repair processes:

• Wound healing: PDRN appears to stimulate fibroblast proliferation and promote angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels). In a clinical study on leg ulcers, 67% of the PDRN group healed completely, compared to 22% in the control group.
• Collagen synthesis: PDRN activates the A2A adenosine receptor, leading to increased production of collagen and elastin.
• Anti-inflammatory effects: It reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines, a significant benefit for sensitive or reactive skin.

The applications are diverse: from supporting laser recovery and microneedling to experimental use in scar treatment and even hair loss.

But… are there any caveats?

Yes. Most studies are small in scale or conducted under manufacturer supervision. Independent, large-scale human studies remain limited. Moreover, there is no consensus on the ideal concentration or mode of delivery. It is therefore important to stay critical and not accept every claim made in commercial materials at face value.

And what about the salmon?

As a skin therapist, I feel a social responsibility to consider ingredient sources. PDRN is generally obtained from salmon sperm cells without killing the animal. Yet this raises ethical questions: where do these salmon come from? Is the production process sustainable? Are they farmed or wild?

PDRN is typically extracted from the milt (sperm fluid) of male salmon using a technique called stripping, where the semen is manually pressed from the abdominal cavity of a live fish. In theory, this can be done without harming or killing the fish, and this method is also used in aquaculture for artificial fertilization. In practice, however, these salmon are often used only once and then slaughtered or processed, especially in industrial production for medical or cosmetic applications. There are no binding regulations to guarantee that the process is painless, stress-free, or sustainable. Producers generally lack transparency, making it unclear under what conditions the animals are kept and processed. This makes it difficult to substantiate any animal welfare or sustainability claims with certainty.

Fortunately, alternative sources are now in development, such as microbially produced PDRN from Lactobacillus strains—a step forward for those who prefer cruelty-free or vegan skincare.

My perspective as a skin therapist

I embrace innovation, but always with both feet on the ground. At Medicadermis, I work exclusively with techniques and ingredients that align with my expertise, scientific guidelines, and ethical compass. PDRN is undoubtedly an interesting development, but not a miracle cure.

It is not a replacement for a healthy skincare routine or proven therapies; if applied correctly, it can be a valuable addition. Transparency, safety, and informed choices come first.

Considering a PDRN treatment?

Would you like to know if a PDRN treatment suits your skin type, recovery goals, or ethical convictions? I would be happy to review your case, explain what is possible and what is not, and provide you with honest advice based on experience and science.

Feel free to contact me for a free consultation or schedule a video consultation.

If you feel something is missing or want to know something specific about this topic, send me a message and I will gladly include it in a future blog post.